The 21st year of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) bilateral exercise series ended Nov. 20 following the successful completion of CARAT Cambodia.

Consisting of subject matter exchanges and events, training symposia and at-sea serials, CARAT is the U.S. 7th Fleet’s premier naval engagement in South and Southeast Asia and has helped promote security and stability in the region for more than two decades. CARAT countries include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste.

2015 was the third consecutive year that Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 led the planning and execution of the entire CARAT series on behalf of Commander, Task Force 73, Rear Adm. Charlie Williams. This year was particularly unique as I was able to participate in or lead the execution of all nine CARAT exercises as the Deputy Commodore or Commodore.

DESRON 7’s role in CARAT exercises spans the entire year with initial planning conferences beginning as early as January. Over the next several months, schedules are modified and final planning conferences are held to ensure both countries participating in the exercise maximize the training opportunities, both ashore and at sea, that each exercise presents. Once the final planning conferences are completed, focus shifts to the execution phase of the exercise.

The training scenarios in each CARAT are unique, but the exercises share the same objective: building and strengthening relationships and enhancing interoperability. We meet this objective by training together, operating together and perhaps most importantly learning from one another. The strength of the relationships we build and maintain is important so that when our countries call on us to work together during a crisis we can do so efficiently and effectively.

Some of the more important CARAT training events we conduct at sea include joint flight deck operations, formation steaming and maneuvering tactics, search and rescue operations, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations and gunnery exercises. Not all of these events happen during each and every CARAT exercise, but we work hard to ensure we’re able to emphasize the events that are most mutually beneficial.

For example in our latest exercise in Cambodia, the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN) desired more in-depth training on small boat operations, including VBSS. To accommodate for this we scheduled two days of in-port training, where shipboard maneuvering, defensive positioning and weapons tactics were discussed and practiced. Later in the week, a simulated boarding took place, as members of a U.S. Navy VBSS team boarded the RCN’s P46C 1141, giving RCN sailors the opportunity to observe and demonstrate the training they had learned previously in the week.

As a Surface Warfare Officer, I have to admit that the sea phase portion of CARAT is of particular interest to me. I love going to sea with our partner navies and conducting realistic training scenarios, but a large part of CARAT happens during the shore phase. Professional symposia from military medicine to military international law, force protection and harbor defense training, community service (COMSERV) events and performances by the 7th Fleet’s rock band “Orient Express” all contribute to the relationship-building we strive to achieve during CARAT. While I always enjoy going to sea, I view CARAT as more than just a naval warfare exercise. It’s a means to connect with the community and deepen relationships on a personal as well as professional level.

This year’s CARAT exercises featured a diverse collection of U.S. Navy platforms. The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, Los Angeles-class attack submarine, amphibious dock landing ship, as well as P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft all played prominent roles during exercises from Bangladesh to Singapore. These assets, and many more, help to achieve operational proficiency with our partner navies and demonstrate our commitment to bringing our Navy’s most advanced platforms to the region.

Perhaps the most exciting addition to CARAT 2015 was USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), which made its debut in CARAT Philippines in June. The exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) focused on combined operations at sea and maritime domain awareness, but the most rewarding portion of the exercise was watching Fort Worth operate hull-to-hull with the Philippine Navy.

Similar in size to the ships that comprise the Philippine Navy, and other navies in the region, Fort Worth demonstrated that LCS is a natural fit for Southeast Asia operations. Less imposing than a destroyer, and able to operate closer to shore and in more remote areas than ships with deeper drafts, Fort Worth displayed the tactical capabilities necessary for contingency operations in South and Southeast Asia.

As we look to the future and CARAT 2016, our objective is to take a highly successful exercise and make it more complex, more sophisticated and more beneficial to our partner navies. While CARAT has been traditionally bilateral in nature, there are plans underway to evolve segments of the exercise series into multilateral initiatives beginning in 2016. While our goal is to increase cooperative maritime security strategies with regional partners, we’ll continue to be mindful of the individual bilateral training requirements of each partner nation.

During my time at DESRON 7, I’ve seen more vividly than ever the importance of strong maritime partnerships in Southeast Asia. As we know, real-world challenges in this dynamic maritime region often require a multinational response—the success of which depends in large part on the maturity of relationships. Our new multilateral approach to CARAT will take those partnerships to the next level.

The operations we took part in with our CARAT partners in 2015 helped us develop interoperability that we can lean on when regional contingencies arise. The relationships we continue to build upon help us learn to work together effectively in times of crisis, when time is of the essence and teamwork is needed most. I believe that what we do during CARAT exercises, from joint amphibious assaults in Thailand to bilateral flight operations in Indonesia, make our Sailors and Marines better operators and better equipped to operate jointly with our partner navies. I am proud of what we have accomplished during CARAT 2015 and look forward to enhancing existing relationships and building new ones in 2016.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei (Nov. 4, 2015) A student from SMARTER Brunei, a center dedicated to helping people of all ages with autism, dances during a performance featuring both the U.S. 7th Fleet Band’s contemporary music ensemble Orient Express and the Royal Brunei Navy Band during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob I. Allison/Released)

On December 7th, travelers near the Suez Canal witnessed an incredible sight as the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) led a flotilla of warships from France, Belgium and Germany on a southbound transit into the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of operations, a crossing many of these vessels have made before at various times over the years. But Monday’s crossing held a special significance.

That’s because after completing the transition into the Red Sea, the admiral commanding this multi-national battle group, French Navy Rear Adm. Rear Adm. René-Jean Crignola, took command of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force 50, which plans and conducts naval strike operations in the region, and is the primary executor of the U.S. Navy’s support to Operation Inherent Resolve — the fight to destroy the ISIL terrorist organization. This is the first time an American ally has held command of this task force.

Just before the battle group entered the Suez, France’s President Francois Hollande addressed the crew when he visited while Charles de Gaulle was off the Syrian coast, “In a few days you will be deployed in a new zone and will take command responsibilities of our allies in the framework of the coalition. After the cowardly and terrible attacks on our country, I decided to intensify the battle against Daesh … that means intensifying strikes,” he said, using the Arabic acronym for ISIL.

The French naval aviators from Charles de Gaulle now join our own Marine Corps naval aviators flying anti-ISIL strike missions from the deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) from its station in the Arabian Gulf.

Besides bringing much-needed firepower to the fight – and returning carrier based naval aviation to the mission for the first time since October when USS Theodore Rooseveltdeparted Fifth Fleet — Charles de Gaulle’s presence underscores the firm resolve of our French allies to fully integrate into our operations. This partnership allows both of our navies to expand the boundaries of interoperability, making us an ever more formidable alliance and fighting force.

The enduring forward presence of the U.S. Navy in the waters of the Middle East and the resulting continual interaction with our allies and partners played a critical enabling role allowing France to seamlessly join our command structure.

Interoperability is the measure of the degree to which various organizations or individuals are able to operate together to achieve a common goal. Our goal in this case is to apply naval strike power to the effort to degrade and destroy ISIL by fully integrating the forces of many nations into a common command and control structure. The ability of the French forces to join our U.S. structure in a command role has literally been decades in the making, even if over the years those working toward this day could not have foreseen the form all of the training, exercises, deployments, concepts and system development would take here in this part of the world — in this particular fight — against this common enemy of civilization and humanity.

I fully expect that we will learn a great deal from having France command Task Force 50. We will take these valuable lessons and keep moving forward, improving the process and increasing our effectiveness as a combat team.

Despite the turmoil ashore throughout the region, our Naval forces along with those of our partners, are performing an incredible job keeping the maritime reaches open and secure every day. That’s important when you consider that 40 percent of the energy vital to the global economy passes through this region that includes three of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints on its way to market.

The challenges in this region are great but not impossible. Our resolve is firm and our strategy is true. With the help of allies like France, willing to step up and lead, I have no doubt that we will achieve our objectives in this current campaign and come out a stronger, more capable force for having worked though this together.

Amidst recent calls for more multilateralism in our traditionally bilateral exercises, Southeast Asia Cooperation And Training (SEACAT) stands tall as the only multilateral information sharing exercise of its kind in Southeast Asia. A relatively small exercise when compared to goliaths like COBRA GOLD, BALIKATAN, RIMPAC, and TALISMAN SABRE – yet SEACAT’s return on investment is 1,000-fold. This year again, 13 Liaison Officers (LNO) from seven countries’ navies, namely The United States Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Thai Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Indonesia Navy, and the Philippine Navy gathered at the Changi C2 Centre in Singapore for the 14th iteration of SEACAT.

Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Bruno Doamaral exchanges best practices with a Royal Malaysian Navy boarding team on boarding tactics during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise as part of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT).

Under the auspice of a fictional United Nations Security Resolution, a combined U.S. and Southeast Asian Anti-Piracy Task Group was formed to thwart a recent increase in incidents of maritime piracy, and smuggling of weapons and narcotics in the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. As this virtual reality unfolded at the Changi C2 Centre, three U.S. Naval Ships (USNS), the AMELIA EARHART, SAFEGUARD, and MILLINOCKET, acting as ‘bad guys’, sailed through the South China Sea, Strait of Malacca and Andaman Sea. Meanwhile, tidbits of information from Interpol, regional information fusion centers, news broadcasts, etc. trickled in to the 13 LNOs on the watchfloor, and only through an abundance of cooperation and information sharing was the picture clear enough for regional navies to conduct boardings at sea. Each boarding informed the next, and over the course of the five day exercise participating navies carried out a total of eight successful boardings at sea.

Originally named Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism, in 2011 SEACAT received a name change to its current form. This simple name change signaled collaboration over a broader range of shared maritime security challenges. In 2014, months after the multinational Search And Rescue (SAR) operation for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, SEACAT incorporated a synthetic SAR event for a lost U.S. P-3C aircraft off the coast of Palawan, Philippines. First-hand experiences and lessons learned from SEACAT LNOs who had participated in that search were applied to the Command and Control (C2) developed for the fictional SAR event in SEACAT. Only six months later, I was deployed to Pangkalanbun, Indonesia to participate in the multilateral search for Air Asia flight QZ8501 in the Java Sea. The C2 executed during that real-world SAR operation was strikingly similar to that exercised during SEACAT 2014.

Leveraging last year’s success, SEACAT 2015 included migrant boats lost in the Andaman Sea, very similar to last summer’s migrant crisis which resulted in a multinational search for over 7000 migrants lost at sea. Again, LNO’s first-hand accounts from real-world operations were deconstructed and applied to a future fictional operation. SEACAT remains an effective laboratory to study operations-past and apply these lessons to operations-future—and an equally effective tool to train the next generation of LNOs responding to crises. The dynamic challenges of the maritime environment have given us all a keen appreciation of the importance of readiness and agility in preparing and responding to crises. Leveraging ideas, innovation and talents of many skilled maritime professionals allows us to learn from each other and capture best practices and apply them when it matters most.

Information Systems Technician 1st Class Trevor Methena assists members of the Royal Thai Navy during a command post exercise held in support of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT).

Possibly more important, it is those personal relationships nurtured during our bilateral and multilateral exercises that can make all the difference in crises. While on deck in Pangkalanbun for the Air Asia search I received a report that a Singaporean Super Puma was arriving at the airfield to deliver remains of one of the crash victims. Knowing I was in a position to help, I immediately reached out to my friend in the Singapore Navy – an Officer I had known for many years through SEACAT.
Within minutes I was chatting with the Singaporean Naval Operations Centre and passing pictures and weather conditions of the airfield, on-deck/off-deck reports and real-time photos of their helicopter on deck.

Indonesian authorities at Iskander Air Base carry the body of an AirAsia Flight QZ8501 victim transported ashore by a U.S. Navy, MH-60R Sea Hawk from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 after being recovered by the destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102).

As a U.S. Navy Foreign Area Officer (FAO)leading the Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) effort on the staff of CTF-73 in Singapore, I have personally been involved in SEACAT for over 12 years, and am extremely proud of its contributions to regional information sharing and the maritime security landscape over the years. As distinctly maritime nations who value freedom of the seas and the uninterrupted flow of commerce, SEACAT fosters cooperative security strategies. If the future is multilateral, the future is now.

The crew of USS Porter (DDG 78) is incredibly excited about our arrival in Rota, Spain. This is a day we have been counting down to for over two years and a historical moment in the life of our ship. Every Sailor has worked very hard to be at peak proficiency and to keep the ship in top material condition for sustained overseas operations.

USS Porter (DDG 78) arrives in Rota, Spain, April 30, 2015

As the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be forward deployed to Spain, we are providing increased operational capacity to respond to global crises, cooperate with our allies, and achieve our country’s national defense policy goals. Every exercise and port visit we complete enhances international cooperation. Having a continued presence in the European theater assures our allies that we are committed to working with them in support of common goals.

The European theater is very dynamic. Forward deployed ships, immersed in this environment, are more efficient at operating here. Specifically, we are experienced at using common procedures to overcome cultural and language barriers and improve interoperability. As that comfort level grows, we develop a standardized way of interacting on the seas, where we can be clear about one another’s intentions and operations, promoting safety and security. Our presence here also allows us to pool resources with our allies to overcome the challenges that threaten freedom and security in the global commons.

For the crew, this opportunity will have lifelong benefits. From a professional perspective, the four-month patrol cycle results in a lot of training opportunities and keeps the crew at a high level of readiness year round. Plus, we will be pulling into a large number of foreign ports and operating with many of our allied navies, and the joint experience they gain will benefit them for the rest of their careers.

From a personal perspective, the crew has the opportunity to live in Spain, one of the Navy’s best overseas homeports, experience the local culture and have an unprecedented opportunity to travel.

It is an incredible honor for every Sailor aboard to have the opportunity to represent the United States overseas. We look forward to the journey ahead.

Theodore Roosevelt and Normandy have joined other U.S. forces conducting maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb and the Southern Red Sea.

In recent days, the U.S. Navy has increased its presence in this area as a result of the current instability in Yemen.

The purpose of these operations is to ensure the vital shipping lanes in the region remain open and safe. The United States remains committed to its regional partners and to maintaining security in the maritime environment.

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https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/04/21/uss-theodore-roosevelt-operating-in-the-arabian-sea/feed/0USS Blue Ridge Rescues Fishermen in Philippine Seahttps://navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/03/26/uss-blue-ridge-rescues-fishermen-in-philippine-sea/
https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/03/26/uss-blue-ridge-rescues-fishermen-in-philippine-sea/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 13:05:52 +0000http://navylive.dodlive.mil/?p=31297Your U.S. Navy is where it matters, when it matters. Just ask five Filipino nationals who had been fishing in the Philippine Sea when their boat’s motor stalled out.

Sailors stationed onboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) rendered assistance to the fishing vessel, March 25. The vessel was taken out by the current, leaving them adrift for three days with no food.

Blue Ridge watchstanders initially could only make out a small boat and a flag, but once the ship was within three nautical miles of the vessel, they noticed it didn’t appear to be moving and several men were inside.

“We thought it was strange to see something in the water, so we slowed down to get a better look. As we began looking for signs of distress, we noticed someone was waving a white t-shirt, while someone else was waving a flashlight.”

Ensign John Li
Blue Ridge officer of the deck during the response

Responding to the men’s need of immediate assistance, Blue Ridge deployed a boarding team via rigid-hulled inflatable boat for a rescue, and safely brought the five men onboard the ship.

]]>https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/03/26/uss-blue-ridge-rescues-fishermen-in-philippine-sea/feed/1Foal Eagle 2015 and the U.S.-ROK Alliance: A Photo Essayhttps://navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/03/17/foal-eagle-2015-and-the-u-s-rok-alliance-a-photo-essay/
https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/03/17/foal-eagle-2015-and-the-u-s-rok-alliance-a-photo-essay/#commentsTue, 17 Mar 2015 14:52:38 +0000http://navylive.dodlive.mil/?p=31131The U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) alliance has grown ever stronger based upon the shared interests and common values of both nations. This year being the 62nd anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, our shared commitment to democracy and sustained partnership provide a foundation for the enduring friendship that tightly binds the American and Korean people.

During March and April, the annual Foal Eagle exercise demonstrates U.S. commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance and enhances the combat readiness of ROK and U.S. supporting forces. Based on realistic tactical requirements and missions expected of our ROK-U.S. combined and joint forces, these field training exercises are the culmination of many months of planning and span ground, air, naval, and special operations. Defense-oriented and designed to enhance readiness and the ability to respond to any potential contingency that could arise, the close cooperation of Foal Eagle illustrates our increasing global partnership.

Cmdr. Matthew Kawas, commanding officer the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), Crew 103, shows Adm. Choi, Yoon-hee, chairman of Republic of Korea (ROK) joint chiefs of staff, the ships control console on the bridge as part of a tour during a port visit for exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability. Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the U.S. Navy’s strategic rebalance and is operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Damonique Uzueta monitors operations in Combat Information Control, as Republic of Korea Navy Lt. j.g. Woo Sung Hwa and Chief Petty Officer Lee Moon Hoe observe, while underway aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) during Exercise Foal Eagle 2015. McCain is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.Sailors assigned to Commander, Republic of Korea 2nd Fleet welcome the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) during an arrival ceremony for a port visit in Pyeongtaek. The port visits provided members of both navies the opportunity to conduct theater security cooperation engagements and rehearse training scenarios for the Foal Eagle exercises, which run from March to April this year. Exercise Foal Eagle in an umbrella of regularly-scheduled, annual exercises that take place in international waters around South Korea and features a full spectrum of maritime operations.Admiral Choi, Yoon-hee, chairman of the Republic of Korea joint chiefs of staff, receives a tour of the bridge from Cmdr. Matthew Kawas, commanding officer of the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), as part of a tour during a port visit for exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability. Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the U.S. Navy’s strategic rebalance and is operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.Admiral Choi, Yoon-hee, chairman of the Republic of Korea joint chiefs of staff, and Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea tour the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) during a port visit for exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability. Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the U.S. Navy’s strategic rebalance and is operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.Republic of Korea (ROK) navy midshipmen receive a tutorial on the MQ-8B Firescout from Aviation Warfare Specialist 2nd Class Ian Carpenito aboard the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), during a port visit in Busan for exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability. Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the U.S. Navy’s strategic rebalance and is operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.Ensign Scott Snowden, gunnery officer of the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), provides a tour on the bridge for Republic of Korea (ROK) navy midshipmen during a port visit in Busan for exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability. Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the U.S. Navy’s strategic rebalance and is operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.Republic of Korea (ROK) navy midshipmen tour the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) during a port visit in Busan for exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability. Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the U.S. Navy’s strategic rebalance and is operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.Cmdr. Matthew Kawas, left, commanding officer of the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), Crew 103, presents a coin to the daughter of a Republic of Korea (ROK) navy sailor during a welcoming ceremony for a port visit to Busan following exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability. Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the U.S. Navy’s strategic rebalance and is operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), pulls into Busan for a port visit at the conclusion of exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability. Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the U.S. Navy’s strategic rebalance and is operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.Cmdr. Robert Francis, executive officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), points out to Korean visitors prominent features on the forecastle during a ship tour in Donghae as part of Exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability of the Indo-Asian-Pacific region.Cmdr. Robert Francis, executive officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), tells Korean visitors the history of the ship’s namesake during a ship tour as part of Exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability of the Indo-Asian-Pacific region.The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and the Republic of Korea navy guided-missile destroyer ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG 993) transit during a replenishment-at-sea during exercise Foal Eagle 2015. Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula while strengthening the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance and promoting regional peace and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

]]>https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/03/17/foal-eagle-2015-and-the-u-s-rok-alliance-a-photo-essay/feed/1Fire at Will for New Year’s Dayhttps://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/12/31/fire-at-will-for-new-years-day/
https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/12/31/fire-at-will-for-new-years-day/#commentsWed, 31 Dec 2014 23:11:46 +0000http://navylive.dodlive.mil/?p=30298At the time this blog is posted, most people in the United States are busy readying themselves for a well-deserved evening of revelry ringing in the New Year. They are free to do so, in large part, because at the same time more than 100 #USNavy shipsand more than 50,000 U.S. Navy Sailors are forward deployed around the world. Your Navy wishes you a fun and safe evening!
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Nov. 21, 2014) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) arrives in Busan, Republic of Korea for a port visit.

We’re proud to operate forward to deter aggression, protect the nation, reassure our partners, and maintain the freedom of the sea — the basis for global prosperity. The Navy has the watch! By “the Navy” we mean people like ENS Jackson, USN, who at this moment is standing the watch aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71). Jackson and the rest of the crew are currently on patrol in the Pacific Fleet where it is already 2015. Just moments ago, in keeping with Navy tradition ¹, Jackson posted the ship’s New Year’s log entry.

Though it sounds like all fun and games there is still plenty work to be done

The Gunner’s Mates standby on all mounts, even Five- One.

The barrels all are loaded with rounds Illum

To light the sky with majesty soon.

The countdown, it starts, with a whisper of ten;

Then soon it is chanted as the whole ship joins in.

The ball it does drop as the hour is struck

8 bells we ring in honor of luck.

The Captain gives me the tiniest of nods

And to GUNNO I give approval to carry on.

He keys in his radio and with a smirk relays

“Fire at will for New Year’s Day.”

The seas ignite with high caliber blaze

My beautiful New Year and I together we gaze.

She with the hope of what may come next;

And me with the saltiest of pins earned on my chest.

Remember Shipmates, our life at sea is glorious,

And CAPE is always victorious!

Happy New Year, CAPE ST. GEORGE

And to the Little Beavers, too.

Happy New Year, Navy,

From the Dragonslayers to you!

Raise a glass of O’Douls to a WESTPAC successful,

May your new year be joyous and hopefully restful!

¹No one knows for sure how the tradition of poetic New Year’s deck log entries began, but it is believed to have begun between the World Wars. In 2004 Stars & Stripes reporter Jason Chudy wrote a piece about New Year’s deck logs. More information about the official nature of ships’ deck logs can be found on the web site of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

5. F-35C Completes First Arrested Landing aboard Aircraft Carrier #2

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The Navy made aviation history Nov. 3 as an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter conducted its first arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) off the coast of San Diego.

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3. F-35C Completes First Arrested Landing aboard Aircraft Carrier

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The Navy made aviation history Nov. 3 as an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter conducted its first arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) off the coast of San Diego.

2. Laser Weapon System (LaWS) demonstration aboard USS Ponce

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1. Navy to Deploy Electromagnetic Railgun Aboard JHSV

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The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Electromagnetic (EM) Railgun industry prototype launchers is being evaluated at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. Both General Atomics and BAE Systems have designed next generation prototype EM Railguns capable of increased firing rates.

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https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/12/31/top-u-s-navy-videos-of-2014/feed/0Top U.S. Navy Photos of 2014https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/12/31/top-u-s-navy-photos-of-2014/
https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/12/31/top-u-s-navy-photos-of-2014/#commentsWed, 31 Dec 2014 15:52:10 +0000http://navylive.dodlive.mil/?p=30239 TOP PHOTOS of 2014: We posted them to Facebook and Instagram. You liked them. Here they are!